Texas Representative Henry Cuellar issued a written statement expressing sadness at the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who died on July 11, 2026, at age 71 following a brief and sudden illness.
In his tribute, Cuellar said he was “saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham,” noting that Graham “served the country and the people of South Carolina for many years.” Cuellar extended his thoughts and prayers to Graham’s family, friends, and loved ones, closing with “May he rest in peace.”
Graham had represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since January 2003, serving for 23 years as a prominent conservative voice and strong proponent of national defense. A preliminary medical examiner’s report indicated that Graham died from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the Washington Post.
Cuellar and Graham had worked together on border security issues in the past. In 2021, the two lawmakers from opposite parties collaborated on a letter calling for Biden administration action on border security, demonstrating their shared focus on the issue despite their different party affiliations. Cuellar represents Texas’s 28th Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border, and has long been an advocate for border security measures.
Graham’s sudden death prompted tributes from political leaders across the country and internationally. Flags were ordered to be flown at half-staff nationwide in his honor.
Sources
- KGNS — Henry Cuellar’s written statement on Graham’s death
- The Washington Post — Graham’s cause of death (aortic dissection) and preliminary medical report
- NBC News — Confirmation of Graham’s death on July 11, 2026, at age 71
- The Texas Tribune — Cuellar and Graham’s 2021 collaboration on border security
- Wikipedia — Graham’s Senate service from 2003 to 2026
